ATLANTA, Ga. (August 3, 2019) – In a game that broke the MLS regular season attendance record, Atlanta United FC got a win. Two LA Galaxy own goals in the first half undid a valiant effort by the visitors.
LA Galaxy Own Goals Lead to Atlanta United Win
The match started off at a frenetic pace, from end to end. The Galaxy held their own in the midfield and had some good passes to open things up. Just five minutes in, Uriel Antuna was in on goal but goalkeeper Brad Guzan came off his line to make the save.
In the 23rd minute, Atlanta moved the ball into the final third. Pity Martinez tried to cross the ball to the middle, but Dave Romeny deflected the cross into his own net.
Favio Alvarez nearly tied it with a shot at the top of the box in the 36th minute but the shot whistled wide of the post.
Atlanta made it 2-0 just before half time through another LA Galaxy own goal. With a loss cross to the front of goal, Giancarlo Gonzalez tried to intercept, but toe-poked the shot into his own net.
Things slowed down in the second half with the Galaxy unable to create many chances. Josef Martinez had a few chances at goal. Bingham made a fantastic save on a one-timer from the six yard box.
VAR got involved in the 71st minute as Drew Fisher reviewed a potential PK foul on Gonzalez on Emerson Hyndman as they and Bingham went for the ball in the box. The play was ruled to be a foul and Josef Martinez scored.
The match ended 3-0 with Atlanta comfortably in control of the match.
Relentless pressure.
We don’t stop.Make it ✌️ for Atlanta pic.twitter.com/QzpMKoKGkS
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) August 3, 2019
Three Takeaways:
LA Galaxy own goals: The Galaxy put forth a good effort in the first half, just didn’t have the finishing touch in the attacking third. Unfortunately, they dug their own grave and dropped off in the final half hour.
Home Cooking: Atlanta are unbeaten in eight home games in league play, with just one of those games being a draw. As of the final whistle, they were top of the Eastern Conference, which would have them play only home games to make it to MLS Cup.
Josef rolling: Josef Martinez has now tied his record from 2018 with nine straight league games with a goal. He’s been on fire and critical to Atlanta improving this season. He’s in a Golden Boot race with Carlos Vela.
